By Jacy Nails
Smitty’s Wings Sistrunk. What typically comes to mind when you hear this place; the aroma of crispy wings, seasoned French fries, music, and energetic chatter? Couple that with an extraordinary field trip unfolded at Smitty’s Wings Restaurant! In celebration of Black History Month, students from Hope for the Future Christian Academy ventured on a journey not just through the mouthwatering food, but through the rich tapestry of African American history and culture within the historic street of Sistrunk. Instead of walking through museum exhibits, these students were able to experience a vibrant restaurant filled with stories waiting to be told.
Co-owner of Smitty’s Wings Restaurant, Chris Smith, gave the students and staff a detailed presentation of the Sistrunk Historical Wall, which tells the stories of Black excellence within our local community. It was amazing seeing the eyes of the children light up when they witnessed this mural. All eyes and ears were faced toward Mr. Smith as he taught Black history from the real-life stories on the wall.
To understand the impact of this unique learning experience, I interviewed both teachers and students, gaining valuable insights into the school itself, and the effectiveness of this field trip on both the staff and the students.
Hope for the Future Christian Academy (HFCA) was founded and is currently owned by Bishop Frank & Jacqueline Lloyd. Teacher and daughter of the founders, Janay Lloyd, was asked her favorite part about working at HFCA, she responded, “I love seeing the students that I work with grow from the beginning of the school year to the end!”. When asked what she hoped the children would learn from the field trip to Smitty’s, she wholeheartedly responded, “I hope this brings awareness to the students to appreciate our black culture and understand that history is being made right here on Sistrunk! I’m also interested in seeing the impact that Smitty’s history and backstory will have on the students!”
Administrator and Director of HFCA Xavias Boyd, was also asked his favorite part about working at the academy. He responded, “I love influencing the younger children to do great things and teaching them that they can accomplish great things!” As we discussed the purpose for this educational field trip, Mr. Boyd explained that he wants the children to understand the importance of seeing a Black family from our community owning such an influential establishment and how they too can achieve such greatness!
Additionally, Trayce Wilkerson, Mr. Boyd’s assistant administrator shared the sentiments of her colleagues saying that, “I love being able to pour into the next generation and input in their minds that they can do anything that they set their minds to!” She also hopes that the students are appreciative of the hard work that it took for the Smith Family to build this restaurant. “I also hope the students will be able to understand that they are witnessing black excellence right in front of them and I am just elated that they have the opportunity to experience this monumental establishment!”
Furthermore, I was graced to hear the personal accounts of the students from Hope for the Future Christian Academy about their experience with this field trip. As I spoke with a few of these intelligent students, they shared a mutual pride for their school and included that their favorite things about attending HFCA is attending the field trips, building relationships with their peers and teachers, and learning about God! When asked what they hoped to learn from this field trip, they responded similarly by saying “We hope to learn about the history of Smitty’s, Sistrunk and about the Black history of our community!”.
It was an absolute pleasure to interview and observe this amazing school and their incredible students and dedicated staff. I truly thank Smitty’s, Hope for the Future Christian Academy and Media & Outreach Communication Specialist at the Children’s Services Council of Broward County, Ms. Alexia Bridges, for allowing me to be a part of this informational and, might I add, delicious field trip!
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